April in Halton is bursting with new life, with a vibrant mix of arts, family fun, live music and comedy entertainment and local experiences to enjoy across the borough. From the unveiling of the brand-new public art mural in Widnes Town Centr to fresh easter-themed flavours at Daresbury Dairy, Easter Egg hunts at Norton Priory, and an exciting lineup of shows and events, there’s something for everyone to discover in the borough this month. Dive into what’s happening across Halton to make the most of everything April has to offer!

Key Highlights

Event of the Month – New public art mural in Widnes Town Centre

Head down to Widnes Town Centre on Wednesday 8th April between 11:30am and 2pm for the unveiling of the new public art mural on New Street. Stop by and say hello and have a go at some family arts and craft activities for children. There will also be a wide range of stalls, live performances from The Far North and Day Services Samba Band.

Daresbury Dairy reopens!

Penkridge Lake Farm, Newton Ln, WA4 4HZ

Spring is here and that means Daresbury Dairy has reopened its doors after a few months of hibernation. Open Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 5pm, make sure to try their new limited-edition spring ice cream flavours Chocomalt, Eggstravaganza and Hot Cross Bun.

Pixie’s 50th Birthday Halton Miniature Railway

Town Park, Stockham Ln, Palacefield, Runcorn, WA7 6PT

This Easter Monday 6th April between 12pm and 4pm, join us for a special afternoon marking half a century of Pixie! There will be passenger trains running throughout the day for little ones and the whole family to enjoy as well as visiting live steam locomotives.

Family & Kids Activities Happening in Halton

Beyond The Tracks Music Trail

This Easter Holiday and across spring, take a stroll beyond the tracks for a fun and interactive way to discover some of the stories from Halton’s rich musical heritage. From Creamfields Festival, to The Stone Roses to The Beatles and Freddie Mercury, join in across any of the 17 stops to hear the iconic and unexpected musical stories that shaped the borough’s culture. For the best experience, start at either Runcorn or Widnes train station and listen to our Spotify playlist along the way!

Norton Priory

Tudor Rd, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

Hop into Norton Priory Museum & Gardens this Easter with loads of free family friendly activities to enjoy over the Easter Holidays. On Good Friday (3rd) and Bank Holiday Monday (6th), venture into the woodlands on a story driven quest to hunt the Easter Bunny with craft activities along the way. Whilst over Easter Weekend, explore 900 years of history and seek out clues hidden among the Priory’s Museum on a Chocolate Easter Egg Hunt. There will also be easter themed arts and crafts activities for everyone to enjoy on Easter Monday and Tuesday! Easter events are available to book here!

Throughout the remainder of April, be sure to check out the Phantoms at the Priory art installation which has been extended throughout Easter. Keep an eye out as some phantoms may even appear beyond the museum galleries. Alongside this, visitors can dive into FREE arts and crafts at Norton Priory Art Club on 11th April and express themselves using watercolour painting as a form of mindfulness on Sunday 12th April.

Celebrating Culture26; Made in Halton, on Saturday 18^th April delve into The Curfew, a chilling tale widely believed to be inspired by Norton Priory, where author Lucy M. Boston once lived. This spine-tingling tale will be brought to life by Norton priory’s narrator Gav Cross alongside author John Reppion, for an unforgettable evening of ghostly storytelling of phantoms. Step inside the shadows and secure your tickets for The Haunted Book Club today, if you dare… (12+)

Widnes Market

Bradley Way, Widnes, WA8 6UE

Enjoy some Easter fun at Widnes Market until 4th April with a family-friendly Easter Hunt! Follow the clues, fill in the missing letters to reveal the mystery word and claim a treat! Visit on Easter Saturday to get involved in the market’s FREE big chocolate giveaway where you can crack an egg to reveal a chocolate prize! On Wednesday 8th April join Animal Teach for FREE sessions with amazing creatures from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

The Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre

Mersey Rd, Widnes, WA8 0DF

This April, discover Halton’s chemical heritage through immersive galleries, hands-on exhibits, live science shows and interactive hands-on workshops. Make your own Easter themed key ring at Easter Fantastic Plastic, find out more about one of our favourite Easter treats at The Chocolate Show while on Thursday 2nd April as part of the Synergy Project, get creative with a hands-on session where you’ll create your own soap bookmark and discover how Halton’s chemical industry shaped the community.

Later on in April, experience two new weekend workshops, Operation Earth and Bee Discovery, where you’ll get the chance to investigate and help identify solutions to Earth’s problems and learn exciting information about the honeybee with experiments and creativity.

VR Warehouse

Unit 31 Percival Ln, Runcorn, WA7 4UX

For ages 8-18, head over to VR Warehouse for virtual reality fun with a huge range of games to play. Try challenging rhythm games with a cyberpunk twist, play favourites like Gorilla Tag and Job Simulator or explore the free retro arcade machines. Players can even dive into themed VR escape rooms, such as Alice, uncover the secrets of Wonderland by helping the Mad Hatter and following the Cheshire Cat through the enchanted dark forest.

Gaming slots are available to book here.

This Month’s Live Entertainment Schedule

April brings a fresh wave of entertainment to Halton, with a vibrant mix of comedy, live music, dance shows and unmissable theatre. Whether you’re after big laughs, Easter holiday entertainment for the kids or standout musical experiences, there’s something for everyone this April.

Giggle Shack

Saturday 4th April | 8pm till 10:30pm

The Giggle Shack is back in Runcorn, starting a new chapter at the new Small Batch Tap Rooms (formerly Society Ltd), they’ve got an incredible line up of stand-up comedy from Matt Bragg, Tad Malunghe and Jay Neale. Get tickets here.

Giggle Shack Grandstand Up Special

24th April | 6pm till 11:55pm at DCBL Stadium

Giggle Shack is returning to DCBL Stadium’s for their biggest show yet! See the incredible Adam Rowe, host of the Have A Word Podcast and star of Live At The Apollo, perform with support from two of the UK’s best upcoming talent Jacob Mussey and Jack Gleadow! Adam has established himself as one of the UK’s most in-demand acts, regularly appearing at all of the UK’s largest comedy clubs and festivals and has toured with iconic comedians such as Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Shane Gillis and Theo Von. Bringing his Liverpudlian charm, sharp, witty storytelling and brutally honest stand-up, expect a gloriously unpredictable performance. Purchase your tickets before they sell out!

The Brindley Theatre

High St, Runcorn, WA7 1BG

April has landed at The Brindley, and it comes with a packed schedule of must-see shows, incredible talent and iconic performers. Tickets available to purchase here.

Starting off the month make sure to check out the multi-award-winning folk band Merry Hell, coming to The Brindley on 2nd April, their previous three albums have all reached the upper reaches of the Official Folk Chart and have even broken into mainstream album chart as well. Over half-term, families can entertain the children with a wizardly wonderful, wicked Pantomime adventure to see The Wizard of Oz featuring TV legend Basil Brush and Coronation Street’s Alex Bain and Steven Arnold. On Saturday 11th April, join more TV legends in a spectacular new performance of The Sooty Show with singalong favourites, Michael Jordan (not the basketball player) and the return of Fantasie de la Nuit, tickets include a free meet and greet after the show.

Celebrating 43 years since the formation of the Stone Roses and 35 years since their iconic Spike Island concert, don’t miss out on the UK’s most authentic Stone Roses tribute, Made of Stone Roses performing their first show in Runcorn with The Mersey Flows on Saturday 11th April. Whilst on Wednesday 15th April fans of Meat Loaf, get ready for a two-hour high octane tribute from Paradise Found, for the wildest night of your life with high-impact visuals and greatest hits such as Bat Out Of Hell, Bad For Good, back by popular demand!

For something a little more relaxing and harmonic, indulge yourself in an exciting night of music with Tenors Unlimited with Runcorn Community Choir on Thursday 23rd April, while the next day, take a seat to the 80’s for Calling Planet Earth who’ll be performing songs from legendary artists such as Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, Tears For Fears and many more!

Perfect for fans of true crime documentaries and podcasts,  join ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees in exploring the most shocking and unbelievable cases such as the balloon-carrying killer clown, in Strange, but True Crime on Monday 13th April.

While on Monday 20th April join The Brindley’s very own Andrew Curphey and West End & Broadway star Kerry Ellis in Buttons meets Broadway, for a dazzling night of live music, behind-the-scenes stories and a special performance from young local performers. Then on 23rd April spend An Evening with Crissy Rock, best known for appearing in Benidorm, I’m a Celebrity and Celebrity MasterChef, join her in her one woman show that’ll make you laugh, cry and roll in the aisles with laughter!

At the end of the month on 24th April, get ready for Runcorn based rock band Jumada take to the stage for a highly entertaining evening of pop, R&B, jazz, folk and reggae. Supporting the band is 14-year old singer-songwriter Ollie Hobson who has already played at remarkable events and venues such as Liverpool Philharmonic and Liverpool Cathedral. Finally, experience pure Amy Winehouse magic as Absolute Amy take stage on 29th April and on 30th April get your kicks on as the legendary The Manfreds perform a thrilling two-hour performance packed with iconic hits such as Do Wha Diddy Diddy and Pretty Flamingo.

Spring Wellness Events for Mind & Body Happening across Halton

SPACE Runcorn

Regent St, Runcorn, WA7 1LJ

Located in the heart of Runcorn, SPACE offers a welcoming environment focused on mindfulness, creativity and connection with workshops, wellbeing events and meditation sessions for all ages. Alongside its regular weekly and bi-weekly sessions, April brings a soothing line-up of. Events including immersive Crystal bowl sound baths, gentle and sleepy yoga, ADHD support groups, fitness workouts at The Catalyst and guided meditation. Book your wellness activities here.

Norton Priory

Tudor Rd, Runcorn, WA7 1SX

Looking for a moment of calm? Head to Norton Priory on Sunday 26th April for a unique sound bath that replaces instruments with the power of River Voices choir. Let the enriching layered harmonies wash over you from every direction as you let continuous music calm your mind and restore your body. Tickets for Sound bath with River Sounds are available to purchase here, limited availability.

April Sports Fixtures in Halton

Widnes Vikings

DCBL Stadium, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

Widnes Vikings vs Halifax Panthers | Sunday 26th April at 3pm

Get your Widnes Vikings tickets today

Runcorn Linnets

APEC Taxis Stadium, Runcorn, WA7 5JQ

Runcorn Linnets vs Bootle | Monday 6th April at 3pm

Runcorn Linnets vs Stalybridge Celtic | Saturday 18th April at 3pm

Get your Runcorn Linnets Tickets today.

Plan Your Visit to Halton

Halton is a vibrant borough in the Liverpool City Region, located in-between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool. The borough consists of six distinct towns and villages, each offering a unique experience

• Runcorn and Widnes
• Hale and Moore
• Preston Brook and Daresbury

Heritage and Attractions

Historically known as the beating heart of the UK’s chemical industry, Halton is rich in cultural landmarks, industrial heritage and beautiful nature reserves. It is home to the world-famous Creamfields Festival in Daresbury and Norton Priory, one of the largest excavated monastic sites in Europe.

Daresbury also holds literacy significance as the birthplace of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It is well documented that the area influenced many of his ideas and characters in his world-renowned series, most famously the iconic Cheshire Cat.

Halton also holds royal significance; it was from here that the last Baron of Halton, Henry Bolingbroke, ascended the throne as King Henry IV.

How to Find Halton

Getting to Halton is easy via major UK transport links, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the West Coast Main Line and Motorway Network.

Travelling by Train

• Runcorn Railway Station: Managed by Avanti West Coast, provides direct trains to Halton from London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Chester, and Liverpool.
• Widnes Railway Station: Offers regular services from Manchester, Warrington, and Liverpool Lime Street. Notably, this Grade II listed station is believed to be where Paul Simon wrote his iconic song ‘Homeward Bound’.

Driving Cycling and Walking

• If you are driving, you will find free parking and EV charging points conveniently located throughout the borough.
• For a more scenic journey, the TransPennine Trail provides a perfect walking or cycling route from the centre of Liverpool, passing through famous landmarks with incredible views.

Explore More of Halton

Looking for more local guides and things to do?

• Taste of Halton: Discover the best places to eat and drink.
• RE:Wild: Explore the borough’s most beautiful green spaces and nature escapes.
• History & Culture: Learn more about Halton’s rich heritage.
• Culture 26: Learn more about Culture 26.

Beyond The Tracks: Discover stories from Halton’s unexpected musical heritage